Explosions were reported in several parts of southern Iran, including Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, on Saturday evening, while two oil tankers caught fire after reportedly hitting mines in the strategic waterway, according to Iranian media and the Revolutionary Guards Navy.
The incidents came amid escalating tensions over Washington's blockade of Iranian shipping and fears of renewed American strikes after the US midterm elections.
Iranian state television reported hearing explosions in multiple locations across the south but said officials had not confirmed any missile strikes. The semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing a source, said the blasts on Qeshm Island were not linked to missile attacks. Earlier on Saturday, Tasnim had reported that two missiles struck the island, with no information about damage.
Tankers hit mines, navy says
The Revolutionary Guards Navy said early on Sunday that two oil tankers had caught fire after hitting mines while attempting to navigate what it described as an 'unauthorised route' through the Strait of Hormuz. It was not immediately clear whether the tanker incidents were connected to the explosions.
Tehran has repeatedly targeted vessels it accuses of violating its restrictions on passage through the strait, as it seeks to assert control over the shipping corridor and put pressure on Washington.
US action and the wider standoff
The reports came days after the United States carried out strikes on Qeshm Island. A US official described those attacks as limited and said they did not signal a resumption of major combat operations.
Separately, the US military said on Saturday evening that its forces had disabled a commercial vessel attempting to breach Washington's blockade of Iran. US Central Command said one of its aircraft fired at the vessel's stern, disabling the ship.
The developments added to concerns that US President Donald Trump could resume military action against Iran after holding off on fresh strikes in the weeks leading up to Tuesday's midterm elections. Iran has warned that any renewed American attacks would trigger retaliation against US and Israeli targets in neighbouring countries.
No casualty figures were reported for the explosions or the tanker fires.
